Chapter 6
1 Then Job answered ,
2 " Oh that my anguish were weighed , and all my calamity laid in the balances !
3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas , therefore my words have been rash .
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me . My spirit drinks up their poison . The terrors of God set themselves in array against me .
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass ? Or does the ox low over his fodder ?
6 Can that which has no flavour be eaten without salt ? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg ?
7 My soul refuses to touch them . They are as loathsome food to me .
8 " Oh that I might have my request , that God would grant the thing that I long for ,
9 even that it would please God to crush me ; that he would let loose his hand , and cut me off !
10 Let it still be my consolation , yes , let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare , that I have not denied the words of the Holy One .
11 What is my strength , that I should wait ? What is my end , that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze ?
13 Isn’t it that I have no help in me , that wisdom is driven away from me ?
14 " To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend ; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty .
15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook , as the channel of brooks that pass away ;
16 which are black by reason of the ice , in which the snow hides itself.
17 In the dry season , they vanish . When it is hot , they are consumed out of their place .
18 The caravans that travel beside them turn away . They go up into the waste , and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema looked . The companies of Sheba waited for them.
20 They were distressed because they were confident. They came there , and were confounded .
21 For now you are nothing . You see a terror , and are afraid .
22 Did I ever say, ‘ Give to me ’? or , ‘ Offer a present for me from your substance ’?
23 or , ‘ Deliver me from the adversary ’s hand ’? or , ‘ Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors ’?
24 " Teach me , and I will hold my peace . Cause me to understand my error .
25 How forcible are words of uprightness ! But your reproof , what does it reprove ?
26 Do you intend to reprove words , since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind ?
27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless , and make merchandise of your friend .
28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me , for surely I will not lie to your face .
29 Please return . Let there be no injustice . Yes, return again . My cause is righteous .
30 Is there injustice on my tongue ? Can ’t my taste discern mischievous things ?